On the afternoon of June 14, the British Council officially announced the UK/Vietnam Season 2023 program, including a series of events from June to December, to honor and introduce cultural and educational exchange activities and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
UK/Vietnam Season 2023 is held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations, as well as the 30th anniversary of the British Council's arrival in Vietnam. This Season, there are two themes: "Climate and Environment" and "Our Common Heritage".
The British Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding. From left to right: Ms. Donna McGowan, Director of the British Council in Vietnam; Mr. Scott McDonald, CEO of the British Council; Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
With these two themes, the UK/Vietnam Season brings together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and artists from various organisations in the UK and Vietnam. They share ideas and experiences, and discuss current and future collaborations across the arts, culture, education and English.
Mr. Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, said: “We hope that the UK/Vietnam Season program will help deepen the UK's relationship with Vietnam and create opportunities for people in both countries to strengthen existing connections and establish new creative collaborations in the fields of English, education, arts and culture, which we believe have the power to unite people around the world."
Mr. Scott McDonald, CEO of the British Council, shared about the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Climate and environment are the main themes of the UK/Vietnam Season programme, and are a shared priority for the people and governments of both countries.
In collaboration with leading universities and organizations from both countries, the UK/Viet Nam Season program will host hackathons, artist residencies, symposiums and digital exhibitions to showcase solutions to address climate change.
The theme Our Common Heritage will bring together sharing and reflection on the UK-Vietnam relationship through cultural heritage from a variety of approaches.
Speaking about the partnership between the British Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “We both recognise that cultural heritage is an important source of inspiration for innovation, so our collaboration also aims to nurture new initiatives inspired by our shared heritage. The event celebrates the long-standing partnership between the UK and Vietnam, promising to create new partnerships and open up new opportunities for the younger generation.”
Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized the cooperative relationship with the British Council.
At the launch of the UK/Vietnam Season 2023 programme, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the British Council and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This is considered a premise for mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in the fields of arts, heritage, culture and creative industries. At the same time, it reinforces the shared vision of supporting partnership cooperation between the UK and Vietnam as well as enhancing connections between the people of the two countries.
